Voice of the people (letter).

Smoke Signal

HIGHLAND PARK — A New Orleans federal judge's clearance of the first nationwide class-action suit against the tobacco industry is a landmark ruling in the war against smoking.

The discovery phase of the New Orleans lawsuit should uncover evidence that will conclusively establish that the tobacco industry had knowledge of the addictive nature of cigarettes but placed industry profits ahead of human lives. The New Orleans case should demonstrate the overwhelming need for increased regulation of an amoral industry not caring if it produces and exports a lethal consumer product that kills millions of human beings and renders many more seriously ill.